SAT Test Prep

CHAPTER 15ESSENTIAL GRAMMAR SKILLS

Lesson 2: Trimming Sentences

Why Trim?

Spotting SVD errors is often easier when you “trim” the sentence, that is, eliminate nonessential modifiers to leave the “core” of the sentence. What remains after you “trim” a sentence should still be a grammatically correct and complete sentence.

How to “Trim” a Sentence

Step 1: Cross out all nonessential prepositional phrases.

e.g., The bird in the cage began singing.

A preposition is a word that shows relative position or direction. It can complete one of the following sentences:

The squirrel ran _____ the tree.Democracy is government _____ the people.

A prepositional phrase is the preposition and the noun phrase that follows, including its modifiers.

e.g., from sea to shining sea inthe beginning with hat in hand

Step 2: Cross out all interrupting phrases.

e.g., The committee, ignoring tradition, will approve the measure.

An interrupting phrase is a modifying phrase that interrupts the flow of the sentence. Interrupters are generally separated from the main sentence by commas or dashes.

Step 3: Cross out all other nonessential modifiers and modifying phrases.

e.g., Having traveled so far, the baseball team hardly wanted to forfeit the championship game.

Modifiers are adjectives and adverbs, as well as modifying phrases like participial phrases (see Lesson 7). Most modifiers are not essential to a sentence, but some are. Use your best judgment. One kind of essential adjective is a predicate adjective, that is, an adjective that is linked to the subject by a linking verb, as in Martha is smart.

Trimming a sentence helps you to spot SVD more easily.

Who Kicked Whom?

When you write, trim your sentences to play the “Who kicked whom?” exercise. Look at the subject-verb-object (“Who kicked whom?”) core, and see if it clearly and forcefully conveys the thought you want to convey.

Yikes! That doesn’t make a shred of sense; rewrite it.

Concept Review 2: Trimming Sentences

1. What are the three types of words or phrases that can be eliminated when “trimming” a sentence?

4. A prepositional phrase is a preposition and the noun or noun phrase that follows it.

5. Examples might include in the tree, without hesitation, beyond gimmicks, and over two million hungry customers.

6.The team were (change to was) met.

7.The flock were (change to was) silver.

8.Carmen are (change to is) unlikely to be swayed.

9. Trimmed: Advancements have to do with modifications.

The verb (have to do with) is weak, vague, and inactive, and the subject (advancements) and object (modification) are abstract and vague. To improve the sentence, think about the intended meaning of the sentence, and use stronger and less abstract terms. Here’s a good revision:

Typically, societies progress by making small modifications to their institutions, not by overhauling them completely.

10. Trimmed: The development was affected.

The verb (was affected) is weak, passive, and vague. Here’s a good revision:

The incohesiveness of the rebels hindered the development of the new government.

Worksheet 2

1.Juggling the demands seem (change to seems) too much to bear.

2.Others is (change to are) concerned.

3.The demeanor are (change to is) what makes dining there a sublime experience.

4.The system is archaic and unfair. (correct)

5.The abundance contribute (change to contributes) to an intimidating climate.

6.They must be keenly aware that these traits have evolved over millions of generations. (correct)

7.The industry has maintained their (change to its) position that tobacco is not addictive and that smoking is an inalienable right.

8.The challenge is far more the lack of oxygen than the precarious ice falls or precipitous ascents. (correct)

9.One agree (change to agrees) with the statement: “Anyone who would run for political office is not worth voting for.”